Date and Raisin Chutney
Dates are the candy-like fruits of date palm trees, and raisins are sun-dried grapes. Both are intensely sweet and, combined, have considerable nutritive value, especially in concentrated iron. Dates are sold in several states, from very soft and fresh to hard and dry. If possible, use soft organic dates in this recipe. Preparation time (after assembling ingredients): 2 ½ hours Ingredients • Fennel...
Zesty Green Tomato Chutney
Bengalis love green tomato chutney either sweet or sweet ‘n’ sourfor although it is made from a plebeian ingredient, it has a wonderfully delicate flavor. In this century-old recipe from Bir Nagar, saffron and lime juice beautifully set off a green tomato-papaya combination. Bengalis are fond of both unripened mango and papaya, and many cooks might toss in a handful of diced fruit about halfway through the...
Buttery Sweet Potato Puree with tomato Bits
For this dish you can use either yams or sweet potatoes, depending on the degree of sweetness or moisture, you prefer. It is little more than a seasoned mashed root vegetable dish, and is nice with a Vedic or Western dinner menu. To keep calories to a minimum, rely on the orange juice to make a buttery consistency. The sweet, firm flesh of Italian plum tomatoes is ideal for this bharta, though you can use any type; even...
Semolina Halva with Golden Raisins
A popular item on a wedding or banquet menu, I have seen this halva made in enormous bowl-shaped iron pans with two or three pairs steadily stirring the semolina while it plumps to tenderness. With stoves and pans large enough for the job, this dessert can be made from start to finish in one hour –for 300 people. It is best served hot, or at least warm; as the butter cools to room temperature, the consistency firms up and...
Butternut Squash Puree with Coconut
Pumpkin is the most popular winter squash in India. It is sold in cut pieces. This bright orange squash is more often boiled than baked. In the West, we can ash-or oven-bake whole smaller varieties, such as butternut, acorn, Hubbard or buttercup. Flavor and nutrition are locked within the tough, thick skin. A delicate blend of cardamom, fennel and lime juice beautifully offsets the sweet puree. Garnish with toasted...